Scots drivers face being fined £1,000 if they fail to open their vehicle door in the correct manner as outlined in new Highway Code rules coming into force later this month.
The new rule calls for drivers to use the so-called ‘Dutch reach’ technique when opening the door in their car from January 29.
This means that Scots drivers and passengers should use their hand furthest away from the door handle, instead of the nearest one.
The technique is designed to get Scots to rotate their body to look over the shoulder, which will help them notice any cyclists or pedestrians nearby.
This new section, which will be outlined under rule 239 in the Highway Code, will state: "Where you are able to do so, you should open the door using your hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening; for example, use your left hand to open a door on your right-hand side.
"This will make you turn your head to look over your shoulder. You are then more likely to avoid causing injury to cyclists or motor cyclists passing you on the road, or to people on the pavement.”
Drivers who injure someone by opening their door can be punished with a fine of up to £1,000, but no penalty points on their licence, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Cycling UK has estimated that around 500 people in the UK are injured annually by drivers who open their car door into someone’s cycle path.
The name ‘Dutch reach’ refers to the Netherlands, where the technique has always been the standard for exiting a vehicle.
Scots have been urged to prepare for changes to the Highway Code for when they come into force from January 29.
Drivers will have to give way to passengers waiting to cross road on the junction they are seeking to turn into.
There will also be new guidance on the safe distance that drivers should give cyclists on the roads.
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